Lubbock Lake Landmark still digging into past

May 12, 2006

Compiled By Karl Terry: Freedom Newspapers

If you’re looking for a daytrip to stretch your mind as well as your legs, a trip to Lubbock Lake Landmark could be for you. The attraction, operated by Museum of Texas Tech University, combines an archaeology and natural history preserve with exhibits and a learning center.

The site has been found to contain evidence of almost 12,000 years of occupation by ancient peoples on the Southern High Plains. Each summer a team of scientists, assisted by volunteers, continue to dig at the site and catalog finds.

The Landmark is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a National Historic and State Archeological Landmark.

How was the site discovered
In 1936 the city of Lubbock was dredging the meander of a valley known to have had ancient springs, trying to revitalize the springs when they began to discover evidence of human activity. It was first formally explored in 1939 by the West Texas Museum (now the Museum of Texas Tech University). By the late 1940s several Folsom Period (10,800-10,300 years ago) bison kills were discovered. Charred bison bones from the site produced the first radiocarbon date for Paleoindian material (9,800 years old).

Hours of Operation
Lubbock Lake Landmark is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Archaeology Field Season runs June 1 to Aug. 31.

Special Opportunities
Guided trail walks are scheduled at 1 p.m. each Saturday through June 3. Wear walking shoes and plan to be on the trail about an hour. Also from 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Saturday through June 3, a series of “Family Discoverdays” seminars on wildflowers will be held.

Landmark also offers a variety of special tours and welcomes classes and organized groups. Group tours must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance by calling the Landmark Education Office at 806-742-1116.
How to get there

From Clovis take U.S. 84 east to Lubbock, about 95 miles. The Lubbock Lake Landmark, located at the intersection of Lubbock’s Loop 289 and U.S. 84, is easy to find by following the signs as you approach Lubbock.

How to contact the Landmark
For more information on education opportunities and public programs, call
806-742-1116, visit the Web site at www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/lll/ or e-mail:
lubbock.lake@ttu.edu